Maricruz Gutierrez

Maricruz Gutierrez is the Academic Empowerment Manager for the Gates Millennium Scholars (GMS) Program at the Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF). She works directly with Gates Scholars providing academic guidance and support. She assists Gates Scholars in preserving their scholarships as they transition into the next level of education, or during times of crisis. Her previous role at HSF includes having served as GMS Program Coordinator and as liaison between Gate Scholars, financial aid officers and the GMS team to resolve financial aid issues. In addition, Ms. Gutierrez worked one on one with newly selected Gates Scholars to support them as they transitioned into their first year of college.
Ms. Gutierrez has worked in a variety of other educational forums. Her academic advising experience encompasses a diverse population, such as first-generation, low-income, high school undergraduates and other non-traditional students all across the country. Ms. Gutierrez is a first generation college student and HSF Alumni. She understands the complexity and importance of higher education. Her passion lies in empowering individuals to enrich their lives through education.
Ms. Gutierrez earned her Bachelors of Arts in Sociology with a concentration in Interaction and Group Relations and minor in Comparative Literature at California State University, Long Beach. She earned her Masters of Science in Educational Counseling with a Pupil Personnel School Counseling Credential (PPSC) at National University.

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